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BCA (building control alliance) guidance. (To the best of my knowledge this is up to date)
Window restrictors
It is often proposed that window restrictors are fitted to window openings
with low cill heights, in order to provide protection from falling.
However, restrictor devices that are commonly fitted to windows would
not be suitable because they can be released (by a key or manually) to
allow the window to open more than 100mm. This leaves the potential for
a window to be left in the open position and people (including children)
would not then be afforded adequate protection from falling required un-
der Part K.
However, “permanent” restrictors (those that cannot be released and
would not allow an opening where a 100mm sphere could pass through)
may be suitable. This type of restrictor, as well as the frame and glazing
used in combination would need to be capable of resisting the loads de-
tailed in BS 6399. However, this may be difficult to demonstrate by struc-
tural calculation, and would most likely require a full scale load test of the
window arrangement fitted with the proposed permanent restrictor device.
The glazing would need also need to provide adequate impact resistance,
typically by the use of toughened or laminated glazing, further guidance
can be found in BS6180.
However, even where the use of permanent restrictors can be justified structurally, they may affect the minimum
purge ventilation requirement under the guidance in the Approved Document to Part F. That guidance requires
a minimum of 1/20th floor area of the room served in openable window (height x width of opening part where the
window opens 30 degrees or more). Where the window opens between 15 and 30 degrees that area needs to
be doubled (i.e. 1/10th floor area of room served).
Therefore, it may not be a feasible alternative unless there is another window in the room that is suitably guard-
ed and can provide the necessary ventilation.
A permanent restrictor would also prevent the window used for escape purposes, so for this to be acceptable
one of the alternative options a) to c) described above under the section titled ‘Conflicts between barrier height
and means of escape’ would need to be provided.From attached document
TLDR: use of window restrictors can effect minimum ventilation requirements specified in fire regs. They can do one.
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Bobbo
Does anyone know if there are any regulations that state if residential flats require window restrictors fitting? Context: Selling my flat, buyer had a homebuyer report. Surveyor said
"All residential units need to have window restrictors on upper floor
windows, low-level windows and if a risk assessment deems necessary
all ground floor windows. HSE guidance states that the opening should
be restricted to 100 mm or less. Without the restrictors there is a risk of
falling. We highly recommend that a qualified window fitter assess the
windows and provide advice on any remedial actions"
Buyers solicitor has asked us to fit latches at our expense. I'm of the opinion that this is a bunch of bollocks and also there is a balcony so what is the bloody point in fitting window restrictors...
Am I correct in telling them to do one?